SunSync Drive XT: One lens for indoors, outdoors, behind the wheel

If you’ve ever worn light-reactive (a.k.a. photochromic) lenses, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the following scenario. You’re indoors and your lenses are nice and clear. You step outside to run an errand or go for a drive and your lenses darken up. Then you get inside your car and that comfortable tint starts fading away before your eyes.

Until now, this meant scrambling for your prescription sunglasses. Thankfully, the scramble for your suns is a thing of the past.

SunSync Drive XT is an extra-active light-reactive lens that gets darker outdoors and stays dark in the car. So, you enjoy comfortable, glare-free vision whether you’re in the park or on the highway.

Why do they stay dark in the car?

Why do extra-active, light-reactive lenses like SunSync Drive XT work in the car when traditional lenses don’t? Traditional light-reactive lenses activate and deactivate based on exposure to UV light. For good reason, most car windshields and windows come with UV protection built into them. No UV light getting into the car means no UV to activate your lenses.

SunSync Drive XT on the other hand activates based on exposure to UV and visible light. So, when you get into your car and the windows block the UV, the visible light coming through still activates your lenses.

The “extra” in extra-active.

In addition to working in the car, SunSync Drive XT also get darker outdoors. And not only do they get darker than standard photochromic lenses, they also offer you the darkest outdoor color of any extra-active lens available. They also change from dark to clear faster, and get clearer indoors than any other extra-active light-reactive lens.

Add all this to the standard benefits you enjoy with all SunSync Light-Reactive Lenses, and you get the ultimate lens package of comfort, clarity, convenience, and confidence:

100% UV protection

Targeted blue light filtration

Exceptional scratch resistance

Outstanding cleanability

Take them for a 1-year test drive

As a VSP member, SunSync offers you an exclusive one-year, 100% satisfaction guarantee. This means you can try them out risk-free for a year. If you’re not satisfied, simply return them and they’ll be replaced with clear prescription lenses free of charge.

Hi Anna,
Unlike most light-reactive lenses which darken based on UV exposure, SunSync Drive XT responds to both UV and visible light. So the lenses stay dark in the car, even if the windshield blocks the UV.
-Angelina F., VSP

Agreed. I’m sure they are just adding more photochromic material. Problems I see are the same as yours, worse would be in colder weather where photochromic lenses work better. I would not use these lenses on a snowmobile on a low light conditions. It can be dangerous..

Would these lenses darken while working on a bright (visible light) computer screen? My overall office lighting is dim, but my screen is fairly bright, by comparison, which is how I like to work. These lenses sound great, but wondering about this?

Sunsync Drive XT lenses won’t activate from visible indoor lighting alone so in most indoor settings they would remain clear. If you are sitting by a window without UV filtration or tinting, the lenses would be more likely to activate slightly.

Do these lenses stay dark outside wearing a hat? I tried the older type photochromic lenses and found that not only did they not say dark in the car, but also did not stay dark if outdoors wearing hat or visor. Do these new ones stay dark outdoors while under a hat?

Hi Beth,
Because these lenses are activated by both UV and visible light, they are much more likely to stay dark when wearing a hat than a traditional photochromic lens, but environmental factors could come into play that would affect activation. For example, if the brim of your hat is shading your glasses from the sun, and there’s not a great deal of visible or reflected light reaching the lenses, your glasses may not achieve full activation.
-Angelina F., VSP

That’s a matter of personal preference. There are sunglasses optimized for different activities so you may want to discuss with an eye doctor or optician about which eyewear solutions best fit your needs.
-Angelina F., VSP

No, it’s not a coating that can be added after the fact, you would need to purchase new lenses. Sunsync Drive XT is embedded into the lenses that would be ground to fit your prescription. It is available in single vision and progressive lens styles.

How do SunSync Drive XT lenses perform around the house where there’s plenty of visible light? My house is light and bright. Won’t the lenses be dark most of the time? If I’m unhappy with SunSync Drive XT lenses, will VSP replace them with photochromic lenses rather than standard clear lenses? That seems reasonable since I want and will have paid for lens that darken.

Hi Doug,
These are activated by a combination UV and visible light so typically they should stay clear indoors. Every pair of SunSync lenses comes with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee and if they don’t perform as you expect, you can exchange them.
-Angelina F., VSP

Hi Katrin,
SunSync Drive XT is available through VSP Providers. You can find a doctor near you using the Find A Doctor Search on vsp.com. While Costco is an affiliate provider for some vision plans, there labs don’t process SunSync Drive XT at this time.
-Angelina F., VSP

Speed of change from dark to clear will vary depending on a variety of factors including things like ambient temperature and light conditions. However, SunSync Drive XT will start to lighten up and return to their clear state significantly faster than the leading brand of extra-active photochromic lenses.
-Angelina F., VSP

I wonder if they get darker in the car than Transitions Xtractive? Those were a NO-GO for me as the tint they got in the car–while darker and maybe acceptable to youthful eyes– was not nearly dark enough for my middle aged eyes. Back to eyeglasses and seperate sunglasses (1 month ago).

I thought they worked in a vehicle where there is no UV light that was the reason to buy them. “SunSync Drive XT on the other hand activates based on exposure to UV and visible light. So, when you get into your car and the windows block the UV, the visible light coming through still activates your lenses.” Now I am really confused!

So to my understanding they get darker due to visible light as well as UV light. So, what keeps them from changing while indoors under household light, or in the work place with Fluorescent lights? Thanks

Hi Michele,
At night these glasses would remain clear because they are activated by a combination of both UV and visible light. Your eye doctor can help you best determine what type of lenses will fit your needs. If you don’t have an eye doctor, you can find one on vsp.com using the Find a Doctor Search.
-Angelina F., VSP

Hi Marsha,
This will vary based on ambient lighting conditions and the type of AR coating applied to the lens. However, with a premium anti-reflective coating such as TechShield Elite, SunSync Drive XT lenses in their clear state will look very similar to a standard clear lens so you’ll be photo ready!
-Angelina F., VSP

This sounds like a fantastic improvement for driving! However, I have a question about wearing these lenses indoors and when there is some sunlight coming in through the windows. Will the SunSync Drive XT lenses also darken indoors? One thing I did not like about standard light-reactive lenses was that they always remained somewhat tinted dark while indoors. I never saw myself in untinted colorless lenses during the day and I found this annoying. I live in Florida, where it is always sunny.

Hi Margie,
Depending on whether or not the windows have any tinting or UV filtration your experience could vary. The lens tint is activated by a combination of visible and UV light. SunSync lenses come with a 1-year 100% satisfaction guarantee for VSP members, so they could be worth a try. More details on the risk-free trial can be found here: https://www.vsp.com/glasses-deals.html
-Angelina F., VSP

If SunSync Drive XT lenses get dark inside a car, will they also get dark inside a building when there is bright light coming from windows or bright electric lights, either during the day or at night? What about outdoors in the shade?

Hi Renee,
The tint is activated by a combination of UV and visible light so lenses will stay clear at night and won’t become dark from the glow of indoor lighting alone.The tint may activate some if they receive direct sunlight from the windows.
-Angelina F., VSP

If they react to light, then how do they perform with indoor lighting? I wouldn’t want my glasses darkening in my home or office. Also with that said I would imagine they may take longer to lighten up in those situations. Can you speak to this?

This is awesome news!! I have transitions and the negative side to them is not staying dark in the car. I still carry a pair of prescription sunglasses to change to when I get in the car, this is wonderful news!!! My eyes are light sensitive and I need the dark lenses on a sunny day!

Sounds great. Do they come in glass? I currently wear Zeiss glass photochromic lenses. I refuse to wear plastic, all plastics have the optical property of mud.
If they don’t come in glass, I will continue to wear my polarized sunglasses while driving, or while outdoors for a prolonged period.

Hi Mark,
No, SunSync Drive XT is not available in glass. You may already be aware of the risks, but wanted to share a friendly reminder that glass lenses can pose a safety risk if they shatter due to an unexpected impact.
-Angelina F., VSP

Hi Cathy,
These are activated by a combination UV and visible light so typically they should stay clear indoors, but the tint could be activated if they have exposure to sunlight too. Every pair of SunSync lenses comes with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee and if they don’t perform as you expect, you can exchange them.
-Angelina F., VSP

Yes, SunSync Drive XT lenses are clear when driving at night. Adding a premium anti-reflective coating such as TechShield Elite will further help to reduce unwanted glare when driving at night.
-Angelina F., VSP

Hi Ray,
Environmental factors such as a canopy could impact the level of darkness of the tint. Polarized sunglasses may be a better option for reducing glare from the water, but both will provide 100% UV protection.
-Angelina F., VSP

Hi Ervin,
The activation process that makes SunSync Drive XT dark is a combination of UV and visible light, so if the shield on your helmet provides UV protection it could prevent them from reaching its darkest tint.
-Angelina F., VSP

Yes all shields on Motorcycle helmets have UV protect, just like the Car Windshield. and unless tented provides the light just like the car windshield. So it sounds like it would work but might not get as dark.

Hi Tom,
The activation process that makes Drive XT dark is a combination of UV and visible light. Windshields block UV light, but the amount that each windshield blocks varies. VSP members also receive a 1-year 100% satisfaction guarantee on SunSync lenses, so if they don’t meet your needs you can exchange them for regular lenses.
-Angelina F., VSP

I’ve had SunSync Drive XT lenses for a week now. I can tell you from experience on sunny days in Southern California that they do not stay dark in the car. My car windows are tinted, but my windshield is not. Also, I compared these new lenses with my previous photochromic lenses by taking both outside in the sun until they were dark. I did not see the SunSync lenses getting darker faster or getting noticeably darker than my previous photochromic lenses. I then brought the lenses in the house to a bathroom with no windows to see how fast they get clear. They got clear at exactly the same rate, as far as I could tell. If anything, the SunSync lenses seem to take longer to get completely clear because of the yellowish tint (more about that below).

The SunSync lenses don’t get dark indoors unless I’m near a window or in direct sun.

A couple of other things to point out are that the SunSync Drive XT lenses have an amber tint especially when they’re clear. Just hold the lenses up to a white wall or piece of paper and you can see the color. It makes the world appear a little dingy. These lenses also have a blue reflection that is lighter when they’re clear and darker and more visible when they’re dark. It’s not a problem, and I actually think it’s kind of cool, but I didn’t expect it.

I talked to my optometrist and she confirmed that my lenses are, in fact, SunSync Drive XT. I’m probably going to replace them with standard gray photochromic lenses because the gray tint is more neutral and I can tell no advantage to the new lenses….and the amberish tint they cast over the world is dreary.

Just an add on here: When I got the first SS Drive XT VSP email, I was very interested as I was just ordering new glasses following cataract surgery. I printed the email, took it to my optometrist and ordered the lenses. A few days later, my Dr. office let me know that VSP no longer had these available. My Dr. office had not heard of this lens before and they even told VSP that I had brought their email in to inquire about these lenses. So I opted for transition lenses. I am extremely pleased with my new glasses! These were my first transition lenses, so wasn’t sure of what to expect, but they fit my needs perfectly. In fact, I had to keep checking in a mirror because the transition from clear to tinted is not noticeable, but they do get dark and they do transition back quickly. After reading all the unanswered questions and Doug’s comments about actually using SS Drive XT lenses, I am so thankful I did not get them. I can’t imagine any lens being better than what I have.

Hi Doug,
First and foremost, we want to thank you for choosing SunSync and assure you that your satisfaction is our top priority. We’d love to talk to you to get a bit more information and see how we can make this right for you. Please send us a private message at sunsync@vsp.com
Best,
Angelina F., VSP

Great question! Believe it or not, there are 4 different defined types of glare.

Blinding/Reflected Glare which is caused by wavelengths of light being reflected off a flat surface and becoming polarized. Lenses with a polarizing filter are the best choice for reducing this type of glare.

Disabling Glare is caused by certain wavelengths of light scattering in the eye.this type of glare can be reduced with a fixed tint or photochromic lens such as SunSync Drive XT.

Discomfort Glare is caused by changing light conditions.This type of glare can be reduced with a fixed tint or photochromic lens such as SunSync Drive XT.

Distracting Glare is caused by light bouncing off the surface of a spectacle lens or inside the lens. This type of glare can be reduced with a premium anti reflective coating such as TechShield Elite.

There are also several conditions related to your eye health that might impact your sensitivity to glare. Your eye doctor can further advise you on which lens product will be best suited for your needs.

I recently purchased these lens through my Vsp and I love the clarity of the lens compared to the last set that I had. My issue is that the xt drive lens that I have DO Not transition one but in my 2017 Subaru Sti. The main reason I bought these lens are because I work nights, drive home in the bright morning and live in Florida. They transition very well outside of the car and transition back quickly inside. I work in a hospital with bright fluorescent lights and they also do not transition in the hospital. The clarity of these lens are by far outstanding. I feel like false advertising for the behind the wheel transitioning. I’d love to send you a picture of my ugly mug in the sun if you guys are interested.

Ive had my Sun Sync Drive XT lens for two weeks. They definitely do not stay dark in my car. I live in sunny Phx, AZ and I do have tinted windows but the windshield is not tinted and driving into the sunrise they did not get darker. My eyes are sensitive to light which is why I chose these lens. I have to put on my regular sunglasses to drive any distance because I cant tolerate the bright sunlight. Certainly not as advertised…very disappointed and going back to the glasses store for better options.

Hi Deborah,
Thank you for choosing SunSync lenses. We’d love to talk to you to get a bit more information and see how we can make this right for you. Please send us a private message at sunsync@vsp.com

Well, I reached out to the SunSync group and they responded. They were very concerned about my lenses but not concerned with the issue us owners are having. They pretty much told me that they would replace them with generic transitional lenses and refund my money to the Vsp provider. All I wanted to know is if they were planning on doing a revision to the lenses, or are they going to change the advertising to something more fitting. No response since then. I won’t be dealing with them again, but I am keeping these lenses because they are very clear and clean easier than the other ones I had.

I have had my XTs for about two months now. I’ve been waiting for the smoke to clear, literally. I live in the west and am experiencing the same lack of tint in the car that others are complaining about. I was hoping that my issue may be related to the wildfire smoke, but the smoke has cleared, and so are the lenses in the car, very disappointed in the advertising.

Hi Tony,
Sorry to hear that! We’d love to talk to you to get a bit more information and see how we can make this right for you. Please send us a private message at sunsync@vsp.com
Best,
Angelina F., VSP

Hi Dayle,
SunSync Drive XT is a lens product of VSP. I checked in with our product team and they shared the following. SunSync Drive XT offers a better choice for patients seeking a light-reactive lens that has great in-car color retention and best-in-category indoor clarity. So SunSync Drive XT is beneficial for a wearer who needs a light-reactive lens that looks clear indoors, compared to a DriveWear lens, which has a very noticeable residual tint indoors.
-Angelina F., VSP

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